Train for the 2026 Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon with Athletic Annex
Train for the 2026 Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon with Athletic Annex
Training program
Train for the CNO Financial Group Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon with Athletic Annex’s 15-week Fall Training Program, powered by Brooks Running. Runners and walkers are welcome, with group runs, a structured plan, expert support, and local race-day accountability built in.
Quick facts
Fall Training Program Details
- Program dates: Tuesday, July 21 through Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Goal race: CNO Financial Group Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon
- First group run: Tuesday, July 21 at 6:00 PM
- Tuesday runs: Every Tuesday at 6:00 PM, typically from Athletic Annex Nora. Location may rotate.
- Saturday runs: Saturday mornings at Athletic Annex Nora
- Location: Athletic Annex Nora, 1300 E 86th Street, Ste 29A, Indianapolis, IN 46240
- Cost: $50
- Training groups: Group 1, Group 2, and Walkers
- Program sponsor: Brooks Running
- Questions: larry@athleticannex.com
Train for Monumental with a Local Group
Fall race season in Indianapolis is built around Monumental. Whether you are training for your first half marathon, returning to the distance, walking the race, or looking for more consistency through the summer and fall, the Athletic Annex Fall Training Program gives you a plan and a group to help keep you moving.
This is a 15-week half marathon training program for runners and walkers. You will meet with the group on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings, then follow the full training plan at your own pace during the rest of the week.
Tuesday runs are back
Start July 21 at 6:00 PM
The first group run is Tuesday, July 21 at 6:00 PM. Tuesday runs will continue every week at 6:00 PM and will typically meet at Athletic Annex Nora, though the location may rotate during the program.
Choose the Training Group That Fits Your Week
The Fall Training Program is organized into three groups: Group 1, Group 2, and Walkers. The groups are not meant to separate people by ability or pace alone. They are designed to help you choose the amount of weekly training commitment that fits your life, your experience, and your race-day goal.
| Group | Best For |
|---|---|
| Group 1 | Runners who want the highest weekly training commitment in the program and are ready to dedicate more time to their half marathon build. |
| Group 2 | Runners who want a structured half marathon plan with a more moderate weekly training load. |
| Walkers | Walkers training for the Monumental Half Marathon or building toward race-day distance with a consistent group and plan. |
If you are not sure which group makes the most sense, that is completely normal. We will help you choose the plan that fits your starting point and your goals.
What Is Included with Registration?
Registration is $50 and includes the full training program, group run opportunities, and a few Athletic Annex perks to help support your training cycle.
- 15-week half marathon training program
- Tuesday evening group runs
- Saturday morning group runs from Athletic Annex Nora
- Optional midweek runs and walks from all three Athletic Annex stores
- Athletic Annex shirt
- $25 Athletic Annex gift certificate
- Brooks apparel item for the first 50 participants
- Expert coaching support throughout the program
- Private Facebook group for training program participants
- Expert talks and vendor demo runs or walks during the program
Local support
You Do Not Have to Train Alone
A training plan helps, but showing up with other local runners and walkers can make the biggest difference. The group format gives you accountability, routine, and a community heading toward the same Indianapolis race weekend.
How the Weekly Training Works
The program is built around in-person group opportunities plus a complete training plan you can follow during the week. Tuesday evening runs help keep your week moving, while Saturday mornings create a steady rhythm for longer efforts as race day gets closer.
- Tuesday evenings: Group run or walk at 6:00 PM, typically from Athletic Annex Nora. Location may rotate.
- Saturday mornings: Group run or walk from Athletic Annex Nora.
- During the week: Follow the training program at your own pace.
- Optional midweek support: Join additional runs or walks from Athletic Annex store locations when available.
You do not need to be fast, experienced, or already race-ready to join. The goal is to help you build gradually and consistently toward the half marathon distance.
Built for the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon
The Fall Training Program is focused on the CNO Financial Group Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Monumental is one of Indianapolis’s signature race weekends, with a downtown course, big-race energy, and a strong local running community.
The half marathon is a great fall goal for first-time racers, returning runners, walkers, and anyone who wants a structured reason to train through the late summer and fall.
Gear note
Start Training in Shoes You Trust
Before the longer runs and walks start building, make sure your shoes still have life left in them. If you are not sure whether your current pair can carry you through the full training cycle, stop by Athletic Annex and we will help you find the right fit.
Who Should Join?
This program is a good fit for runners and walkers who want structure, support, and a clear fall goal. You do not need to have everything figured out before you sign up.
- First-time half marathoners who want a plan and group support
- Walkers training for the Monumental Half Marathon
- Runners returning to consistent training
- Experienced runners who want accountability through the summer and fall
- Anyone who wants help choosing the right training group
- Local runners and walkers who want to train with the Athletic Annex community
How to Register
Registration is open through RunSignup. The program begins Tuesday, July 21, 2026, and builds toward the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The entry fee is $50 and includes the training program, an Athletic Annex shirt, a $25 Athletic Annex gift certificate, and a Brooks apparel item for the first 50 participants.
Helpful links
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Runners and walkers are welcome. The program includes Group 1, Group 2, and Walkers so participants can choose the training structure that best fits their goals and weekly availability.
Group 1, Group 2, and Walkers are training options based more on weekly training commitment than skill level alone. Group 1 is for runners ready for the highest weekly training commitment, Group 2 is a more moderate running plan, and Walkers is designed for participants training to walk the half marathon.
Tuesday group runs meet every Tuesday at 6:00 PM. They will typically meet at Athletic Annex Nora, though the location may rotate. Saturday group runs meet on Saturday mornings at Athletic Annex Nora.
The main meeting location is Athletic Annex Nora, located at 1300 E 86th Street, Ste 29A, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Saturday runs will meet at Nora. Tuesday runs will typically meet at Nora, but may rotate during the program.
The program is designed for the CNO Financial Group Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Registration includes the 15-week training program, group run opportunities, an Athletic Annex shirt, a $25 Athletic Annex gift certificate, access to the private Facebook group, expert support, and talks or demo runs during the program. The first 50 participants also receive a Brooks apparel item.
That is completely fine. If you are not sure whether Group 1, Group 2, or Walkers is the right fit, Athletic Annex can help you choose the option that makes the most sense for your goals, starting point, and weekly schedule.
No. Group runs are there to give you structure, accountability, and community support, but you will also receive the complete training program to follow during the week at your own pace.
